Shout Out: Saranne Milano of Western Springs, former village president always offering a helping hand

Saranne Milano, a 55-year-resident of Western Springs and the first woman village president there, was honored with a 2018 Senior Citizen of the Year award in the 3rd Congressional District for her contributions, including serving on the board for Aging Care Connections in La Grange, which provides services for senior citizens and their families.

A: My husband, Bob, and I have three children, ages 48, 55 and 57. My husband was the principal at Proviso West High School in Hillside for 36 years.

Q: What did you do for a living?

A: I was a nurse for a short time at Oak Park Hospital, but I got pregnant. Back then you couldn’t work as a nurse when you were pregnant. Then I got a job at Lyons Township High School South and worked there 21 years. I was the student services assistant working with students who had in-school suspensions.

Q: How did you get involved in village government?

A: I was the chairman of the St. John of the Cross Parish Council at the end of the 1970s, when we were building a new church. If you get involved in one organization, they grab you for another, especially if you are successful.

Q: What is your favorite local restaurant?

A: Davanti in Western Springs

Q: Do you have a favorite book?

A: I love the police detective series by Louise Penny. It’s set in Quebec.

Q: What was your favorite vacation?

A: Portugal. It’s gorgeous. We stayed in a town outside Lisbon. We had beautiful accommodations and delicious food. And when each of my grandchildren graduate eighth grade, I take them on a vacation. They choose where to go. It’s my chance to have one-on-one time with them before they become teenagers. I went to London with one, on a cruise to Italy and Provence with another.

Q: Do you have a favorite TV show?

I watch sports. I love the Blackhawks, the Bulls, the Cubs, college basketball.

Q: What superpower would you like to have?

A: To know what people are thinking.

Q: Do you have any pet peeves?

A: I can’t stand it when people get off the escalator and just stand there.

Q: If they made a movie of your life, which actress would you want to play you?